Friends of Plainville resident Ryan Matthews will tell you that he usually spends quite a bit of time at his job in Hartford, where’s he’s the director of community-based programs for Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters.

His friends would probably also mention that lately Ryan’s been devoting many of his after work hours organizing and getting the word out about the Run-for-Kids’-Sake 5K run/walk, being held on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Riverside Park in Hartford.

“I’m burning the midnight oil,” Ryan said, according to a press release, “but it’s well worth it. I really want Run-for-Kids’-Sake to have as many participants as possible taking part. All the proceeds from the event benefit an extremely worthwhile organization, Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters. It takes $2,500 to create a new match and every dollar earned at our event on October 29th will go to moving children in need off Nutmeg’s waiting list and into life-changing match relationships with inspirational adult mentors.”

The release said Ryan knows what he’s talking about when it comes to mentoring. He’s been at Nutmeg for the past four years and during that time has had hands on experience in the creation of hundreds of matches between caring volunteers and kids who need their help and guidance. At Nutmeg, the release explained, Ryan is also the driving force behind Bigs Ignite, the affinity group at the organization that’s hosting Run-for-Kids’-Sake.

“Ryan is bringing an amazing amount of energy to this project,” said Leah Nelson, a former Big Sister and the current vice president of Bigs Ignite. “He’s strategizing partnerships with sponsors, developing participant involvement, designing promotional material, even working with Renee DiNino from The River to create a 30 second ad telling I Heart Radio listeners all about the Oct. 29 event. With all that Ryan is doing – and with the much-appreciated support of Connecticut’s runners and walkers – Run-for-Kids’-Sake is certain to surpass the goals we’ve set for it.”

“Everybody at Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters can’t wait to take part in our Oct. 29 event,” said Ryan, according to the press release. “In addition to the 5K run, there’s also a half mile fun run for kids 12 and under. There’ll be awards, activities, drawings, food and fun for all ages. And since it’s so close to Halloween, there’ll even be a best costume competition.”